Betsy Alles column: From a Ladder to a Circle - Work Cultures Have Changed for the Better

When I started working in high school in the late '60s, I inferred early on that work was simply toil and life was something that happened outside of that "grind." I changed into a work costume, choked down my real feelings and generally "bucked up" to whatever a work day might bring. The goal was to work hard, follow orders and move up some ladder - to aspire to the floor of the building where window coverings were called draperies.

No kidding. My first corporate job in the early '70s was in a building that was literally designed like a career ladder. Your rank was illustrated by what floor you were on and whether your chair had arms. What constituted "floor coverings" on the first three floors became "carpeting" on the top floors. Furnishing levels were earned by climbing to the next floor. I remember sneaking into the very top floor to get a glimpse of the CEO's office - someone I had never laid eyes on (he had his own elevator and dining facilities). And of course in that era it was always a he. I really had no expectations (otherwise known at the time as "silly notions") of reaching that floor.

It took me at least a decade to realize that work - at 9 or 10 hours a day - is not something to simply suffer through. It's the place we learn and grow in many of the same ways we grow outside of work. The relationships can be challenging and there are tasks we love and some we dislike intensely. We are always challenged to solve problems, find better ways, improve results and build or repair relationships. Just like that other part of life.

The meaning of work is that we can get up each day, strive to do better, lift others up and do our best to make a difference, no matter what our rank or profession. When we fall, we have to pick ourselves up, be humble and learn. When we succeed we thank the others that were part of that success.

The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce's Deep Dive 1.5 groups are such a beautiful illustration of this. In showing up for others, doing excellent work and referring businesses to their respected team members, these entrepreneurs also ultimately receive what they need. Deep Dive is, in a way, one major enterprise composed of 25 small, hard-working companies that support each other and challenge each other to succeed. It's no longer a ladder to be climbed - it's a circle that grows. It's similar to those dance circles when anyone can jump to the middle to perform their own creative version of the dance. It's a work culture where everyone can shine and team members make a commitment to each other.

Not surprisingly, this is the kind of culture that makes companies, small and large, grow and prosper. It's the environment where joy and compassion are evident and the term "family" is used to refer to everyone in the circle.

Tell me about your organization and how its culture encourages the very best in people. We certainly all learn how to do this better and your examples will help.

Betsy Alles is the executive director of the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. On Feb. 21, the Chamber Champions Gala will honor 11 businesses and individuals who have brought the best of themselves to business in Sheboygan County - a circle of excellence that lifts us all.

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Betsy Alles column: From a Ladder to a Circle - Work Cultures Have Changed for the Better

When I started working in high school in the late '60s, I inferred early on that work was simply toil and life was something that happened outside of that 'grind.' I changed into a work costume,

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